The Okaloosa County Department of Public Safety announced the following road closures today. The roads will be closed as listed below for maintenance and improvements due to recent storms.
Access to Sixth Avenue will be restored once the drainage system replacement is completed. It is currently scheduled for the March/April 2013 timeframe.
Access to Eglin Parkway businesses will be maintained at all times, and two lanes of traffic will be open in each direction. Left turns and U-turns will continue to be permitted only at the Shalimar Drive/Cherokee Road and Ninth Avenue/Erwin Fleet Road traffic signals.
The planned construction activities are weather dependent and may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Crestview roads closed due to flooding are:
Hazardous weather outlook
Persons living in flood prone areas near creeks and low lying areas should be alert for the potential of flash flooding. Residents and business interests located along river basins should monitor the rivers for possible flooding conditions due to heavy rain.
Also there is a slight risk for severe thunderstorms with downburst winds large hail and isolated brief tornadoes this afternoon through this evening. A cold front will move east across the region late this evening with the back clearing edge of the rain and thunderstorms advancing east of the Laverne, Andalusia and Destin areas shortly after midnight.
Widespread heavy rain and periodic strong thunderstorms will continue to impact the region through the late afternoon and evening hours. A flash flood watch is in effect with widespread rainfall amounts from 3 to 5 inches expected to fall through late this evening ahead of an approaching cold frontal system. Localized rainfall amounts to near 7 inches remain possible through tonight.
Blackwater River flood stages
Currently the Blackwater River near Baker is predicted to exceed the flood stage of 11 feet. The river is currently forecast to crest at 13.5 feet on Tuesday, Feb 26. At this level the following impacts could occur:
Shoal River flood stages
Currently the Shoal River near Crestview is predicted to exceed the flood stage of 8 feet. The river is currently forecast to crest at 12.9 feet on Tuesday, Feb 26th. At this level the following impacts could occur:
Yellow River flood stages
Currently the Yellow River near Milligan is predicted to exceed the flood stage of 12 feet. The river is predicted to crest at 13.5 feet on Feb. 27. Below are potential impacts if the river exceeds this level and floods:
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Road closures and flooding levels announced in north Okaloosa